Visiting the Greek capital? Then be sure to visit the Athens Archaeological Museum, a cultural must-see!
Greece’s leading archaeological museum, the Athens Archaeological Museum boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Greek antiquities. Here you can discover over 20,000 objects discovered in Greece from prehistoric times to the end of Antiquity. This makes the museum one of the must-sees in Athens.
Would you like to visit the Athens Archaeological Museum? In this article you’ll find all the information you need to make the most of your visit. From tips and practical information to prices and opening hours, you’ll find everything you need to plan and enjoy your visit!
History of the Athens Archaeological Museum
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The history of the Athens Archaeological Museum begins with the Greek War of Independence. In 1827, Greece’s Third National Assembly banned all exports of the country’s antiquities. Following this ban, the Fourth National Assembly decided to found Greece’s first National Archaeological Museum on October 21, 1829.
From then on, objects from Greek antiquity began to be collected in this museum. Initially, the museum was housed in an orphanage building on Aegina. It then moved to Nafplio and, from 1834, to Athens.
The first Greek law on archaeology, passed in 1834, provided for the construction of a specific building to house the museum. However, this was delayed, as project after project was rejected. The first museum was finally built on October 3, 1866, to house and display objects from Greek antiquity. Construction was laborious, however, and even in its early years the building was insufficiently large to accommodate all the collections.
During the Second World War, the authorities had to close the establishment and scatter the collections to protect them from looting. The museum only fully reopened in 1964. Since then, it has exhibited almost continuously the archaeological marvels dating from Greek antiquity discovered in the country.
Our tips for visiting the Athens Archaeological Museum
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When traveling, time is precious. So here are our top tips for visiting the Athens Archaeological Museum:
The best time to visit the Athens Archaeological Museum
The Athens Archaeological Museum is open all year round. Attendance is generally low. However, try to avoid weekends, preferring weekdays. Mornings are also the best time, especially during the summer season.
When it opens, the museum is rarely crowded, so you can explore it at your leisure. If possible, opt for this period during the peak tourist season.
How long will it take to find out?
To visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens, you should allow an average of two to four hours. The museum can easily occupy an entire day, given the density of its exhibits: over 20,000 objects. But you can concentrate on the major works. The length of your visit will thus depend on your attraction to the exhibits. You can adjust the length of your visit to focus on the collections that interest you most.
During your visit to the Athens Archaeological Museum
The rules of the Athens Archaeological Museum are similar to those found in any other museum:
- As a result, you will not be able to consume any food or beverages inside the enclosure;
- If you are bringing a backpack or bulky items, please leave them in the checkroom at the entrance;
- Flash-free photography is authorized for certain objects only. The use of flashes and professional equipment is strictly forbidden unless authorized;
- Pets are not allowed. Only guide dogs are allowed in the museum;
- Health regulations may also apply, depending on the season. Be sure to read them before you arrive.
What to do when you visit the Athens Archaeological Museum?
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This museum is one of the largest in the world. It boasts the richest collection of Greek artifacts from the Neolithic to the Classical period. The museum’s collections are displayed on two floors.
First floor
On the first floor, you’ll find Egyptian and Neolithic antiquities, and above all the Mycenaean collections. Here you can admire major works and artifacts such as the « Thinker », Trojan ceramics, Cycladic idols and, above all, the famous Mask of Agamemnon.
The latter is one of the highlights of a visit to the museum. It is part of the artefacts discovered in Mycenae, a major city of ancient Greece. On the first floor, you can also admire incredible bronze statues of Zeus or Poseidon, as well as the Horseman of Artemision (pictured above) and the Winged Victory.
1st floor
The 1st floor also houses other marvels that are a must-see! These include the magnificent polychrome Santorini frescoes and the glass vase collections. The collection of terracotta figurines is also on the 1st floor.
How much does a ticket to the Athens Archaeological Museum cost?
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- From April 1 to October 31, tickets cost €12 per person;
- From November 1 to March 31, the reduced rate of €6 applies to all ;
- The rate is halved for visitors aged 6 to 25, from non-EU countries, and seniors over 65;
- Admission is free for children and young people up to the age of 25 from EU member states;
- Admission is free for all on the following dates: March 6, April 18, May 18, October 28. Admission is also free on the last weekend of September each year, and on the first Sunday of every month from November 1 to March 31;
You’ll need a valid ID to obtain the reduced rate or free admission. You can find out more about admission rates (discounts, exemptions) on the museum’s official website.
Are there guided tours of the Athens Archaeological Museum?
You can book a guided tour of the Athens Archaeological Museum. Prices vary according to organization and guide.
Are there combined tours with other monuments in Athens?
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Many combined tours including the Athens Archaeological Museum are available on the web. For example, you can visit the 3 most famous archaeological sites in Athens: the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. All this while avoiding the queues, thanks to the combined ticket that gives you queue-cutting access.
Opening hours
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From November 1 to March 31, the Athens Archaeological Museum is open at the following times:
- Tuesday: 1 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday to Monday: 08:30 to 15:30
From April 1 to October 31, the following opening hours apply:
- Tuesday: 1 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday to Monday: 08h00 to 20h00
The National Archaeological Museum is closed on December 25 and 26, January 1, March 25, Orthodox Easter Sunday and May 1. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the museum closes.
How do I get to the Athens Archaeological Museum?
The museum is located at the following address: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82. You can easily reach it by metro, bus, trolley or even on foot or by bike.
Bus or trolley
Numerous bus routes stop close to the Athens Archaeological Museum. You can take lines 5, Α6, Β6, Ε6, Α7, Β7, Ε7, Α8, Β8, Α12, Β12, Γ12, Ε12, 022, 035, 046, 060, 200, 224, 605, 608, 622.
By trolley, lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 14 also have a stop around the museum.
Metro
You can get off at either Omonia or Victoria stations and then walk to the Archaeological Museum. From both stations, all you have to do is reach 28is Oktovriou Avenue. Then walk down from Victoria or up from Omonia. The walk takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
Where can I park near the Athens Archaeological Museum?
We don’t recommend driving to the Athens Archaeological Museum. The capital can often be very busy during the day, with long traffic jams.
Parking options are scarce, but you’ll find a few pay-and-display parking lots nearby. However, they are often full during the high season. We therefore advise you to use public transport to get to the museum.
Where to stay near the Athens Archaeological Museum?
The Athens Archaeological Museum is just a stone’s throw from the historic heart of the capital. Although it’s not in the immediate vicinity of the Acropolis or other emblematic monuments, it’s nonetheless within easy reach on foot or by public transport.
The Exárcheia district is therefore highly recommended for your accommodation in Athens. You’ll enjoy a unique, alternative atmosphere. You’ll also find many charming hotels at affordable rates. Don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator or the Airbnb platform to find the right accommodation for you.